Radley Church of England Primary School Nursery

A nursery library for borrowing books, a sandpit for measuring and a garden for play in changing weather give Radley’s nursery its character: early learning with practical things to do. Designed for three and four year olds, the nursery forms part of the school’s Foundation Stage Unit alongside Reception. It has its own class within that structure.

The nursery values children’s individual interests and gives them opportunities to develop their own ideas through play. For families, that means a start to school life centred on exploration as well as early language and number work.

Books and conversation have a regular place in the day. Children share books daily and can borrow from the nursery library to continue reading with their families. Read Write Inc introduces phonics through listening, speaking and exploring sounds, with early reading and writing skills introduced in the summer term. The emphasis starts with hearing and using language.

Mathematics has a practical shape too. Children sort classroom shapes and measure ingredients in the sandpit, bringing mathematical ideas into activities they can handle and investigate. Staff support children as they follow their interests. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, these experiences connect play with developing language, mathematical understanding and social skills.

Outdoor learning includes the Foundation Stage garden, where named wellies can stay ready for wet weather. Foundation Stage children also participate in Forest School, making choices about their activities and learning to respect nature. These are opportunities to explore beyond the classroom, rather than simply a break from learning.

In June 2024, Ofsted found that purposeful activities gave early-years children a strong educational start, with adults extending vocabulary during play and helping children practise sharing and taking turns. Those findings concern early years within the school, rather than a separate nursery rating.

Class teachers and foundation assistants make up the nursery team. The nursery encourages parents to discuss children’s interests and needs with staff, so home experiences can inform the support children receive.

Tapestry gives families a view of their child’s experiences through video, photographs and written updates. Foundation Stage parents receive an individual login. That creates a practical connection between classroom learning and conversations at home.

For children with additional needs, the school provides support across communication, learning, emotional needs and physical or sensory needs. Families can contact the special educational needs coordinator through the school office. Food allergies and intolerances should also be reported to the office; the school discourages sugary snacks and crisps and prohibits sweets.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Oxfordshire County Council allocates places, and applications go through its online admissions service.

For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15th January 2026. That cycle is past. The shared Foundation Stage Unit provides continuity in the school setting, but it must be kept separate from the question of obtaining a place. Parents of children starting school are invited to meet the class teacher and headteacher in the preceding term.

Monday to Friday, families can choose a morning session from 9am until noon or an all-day session from 9am until 3pm. An Early bird session runs from 8.45am until 9am, and the additional nursery club can be booked through Arbor. The school’s after-school club excludes nursery children, so the all-day nursery session should not be treated as childcare until 6pm.

Government funding begins in the term following a child’s third birthday, with up to 15 hours each week received directly by the school. Eligible working families can apply for 30 hours through Childcare Choices. Funding cannot be divided between providers here. Additional sessions carry charges when spaces permit; contact the school for current charges. Withdrawal requires half a term’s notice, and all allocated sessions must be paid for.

Nursery clothing is a red logo sweatshirt and red T-shirt, supplied by Price & Buckland. Keep spare clothes in the Foundation Stage Unit. To enquire or arrange a visit, email office@radleyprimary.uk or call 01235 520814. Cars cannot enter the school grounds during the school day; a separate path connects the car park entrance to the grounds.